Harlem River Blues--Justin Townes Earle--When we booked him in 2008 at the Narrows, we expected someone special and probably out there alone on the edge. Heck, he's the offspring of the fabulous and famously troubled Steve Earle. Something probably rubbed off. We saw it in his performance--and in his world-weary eyes--and we hear it in this latest recording. Harlem River Blues is a project we suspect Springsteen strives for when he's pursuing his inner Woody Guthrie. A touch of Woody, Johnny Cash, and some gospel too. Check out this performance on David Letterman's show--it's got all 3! And Paul Shaffer on organ too! A practical note: Justin is a likable singer, so you can play him in the car when you're with those who don't appreciate rough hewn vocals. You know--they roll their eyes when they hear Bob Dylan or Woody Guthrie, or come to think of it, Justin's dad, Steve. "He can't sing," they tell us. "Yes, but it's a great song, and it's authentic," we reply. "Yes, but why can't he sing?" Maybe a good question, but not one that needs directing at Justin's work, although he's not Bing Crosby either.
Great songs (all originals), fine performances, understated production values and Americana lyrics like "I was wastin' my night, calling in my favorite songs on the local radio" that warm this old deejay's heart. See him sing those in a record store performance, which includes his dad getting a call on his cell phone just before his son starts playing. Cool.
BTW:I took the photo above shortly before he played the Narrows in 2008. He was hanging around, alone, outside on Anawan Street, drinking coffee (I presume) and apparently chain-smoking. Man, he had an edge. BTW part two: Justin is active on Twitter. You can follow his shenanigans if social networking is your thing.
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